Immunohistochemical Expression of HIF-1α in Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Hypoxia is one of the hallmarks of cancer and has been demonstrated in different types of solid tumors including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The present study was immunohistochemical evaluation of Hif 1 alpha in OSMF and OSCC.

Materials & Methods: Histopathologically diagnosed 20 cases of oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma each. The immunohistochemistry was carried out on neutral buffered formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections by using the monoclonal antibody of HIF-1α.

Results: In group 1, there are six slides (10%) out of 20 showing intense reaction with HIF-1 alpha (score 3), ten slides (30%) out of 20 showing moderate reaction with HIF-1 alpha (score 2), two slides (10%) out of 20 showing mild reaction with HIF-1 alpha (score 1) and two slides (10%) out of 20 showing no colour reaction with HIF-1 alpha (score 0). In group 2 (Squamous cell carcinoma) there are fifteen slides (75%) out of 20 showing intense reaction with HIF-1 alpha (score 3) and five slides (25%) out of 20 showing moderate reaction with HIF-1 alpha (score 2).

Conclusion: Rise in expression of HIF-1a from OSMF to OSCC. Upregulation of HIF-1a is positively correlated with oral carcinogenesis. Thus, it can be used as both diagnostic as well as a prognostic marker in the patients with OSMF and OSCC.